Team still looking around for a shortstop

The front office spent four days in Nashville searching for a shortstop and left town without one.

The team believes some good groundwork was laid, however, and there is "no sense of urgency," according to general manager Billy Beane.

The A's are still talking to Scott Boras, who represents Oakland's own free agent, Stephen Drew, but Boras called Drew "THE shortstop in this market" on Wednesday and indications are that Boras is seeking a three- to five-year deal for the 29-year-old, more years than a team such as the A's might be willing to commit.

Beane said the A's have interest in Japanese free agent Hiroyuki Nakajima, who declined to sign with the Yankees last winter. Nakajima, 30, "looks like a hitter," according to Oakland manager Bob Melvin.

The A's explored a deal for Miami's Yunel Escobar and had one in place but decided against it because of Escobar's history of immature behavior, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The newspaper said Detroit's Jhonny Peralta is a likely trade target for Oakland should the Tigers find another shortstop.

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MLB Team Report - Oakland Athletics - NOTES, QUOTES

--RHP Chris Resop was acquired from Pittsburgh for Class A RHP Zach Thornton on Nov. 30. Resop was placed on Oakland's 40-man roster and will be a candidate for middle relief. He was 1-4 with a save and a 3.91 ERA in 61 appearances with Pittsburgh.

--RHP Zach Thornton, 24, was traded to Pittsburgh for RHP Chris Resop. Thornton was 4-0 with 16 saves and a 4.53 ERA in 48 appearances with Class A Stockton and opponents hit .264 against him. He was a 23rd-round pick in the 2010 draft.

--RHP Jim Miller was claimed by the Yankees on Nov. 30. Miller was 2-1 with a 2.59 ERA in 33 appearances with Oakland and opponents hit .217 against him, but he did walk 27 in 48 2/3 innings.

--RHP Pat Neshek, who was arbitration eligible, agreed to terms with the team at the end of November. Neshek was 2-1 with a 1.37 ERA and .147 opponent batting average in 24 appearances last season.

--RHP Sandy Rosario was designated for assignment two days after being acquired from Boston in order for Oakland to put RHP Chris Resop on the 40-man roster. Rosario was obtained for cash considerations or a player to be named on Nov. 28.

BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Days the A's had RHP Sandy Rosario in the organization, acquiring him for cash or a player to be named from Boston on Nov. 28 and designating him for assignment on Nov. 30 to get new addition Chris Resop on the roster.

QUOTE TO NOTE: ""That door is always open until it's closed. We're not going to be a market maker -- we're going to sit back, see if we're able to afford him, see if we can be somewhat creative. There will probably be a little dialogue, we'll see where he's at when he narrows it down a bit." -- Manager Bob Melvin on efforts to re-sign starter Brandon McCarthy.

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MLB Team Report - Oakland Athletics - ROSTER REPORT

Oakland finished 2012 feeling optimistic about 2013 after winning the AL West on the final day of the regular season. The club has a large number of talented young pitchers in both the rotation and the bullpen, a terrific outfield and tentative answers to long-term questions at the corner-infield spots. Oakland must find a good veteran leader to replace Jonny Gomes, and the team must figure out what to do with the middle-infield spots if Stephen Drew, who has a mutual option for 2013, does not return.

BIGGEST NEEDS: The A's could use more consistent offense and better defense at catcher although they were happy with the strides rookie Derek Norris took. Should Drew depart, the club could explore the free agent and trade markets for a shortstop or second baseman.

Though the A's have five starters under team control, McCarthy also is a good bet to be back; the team would like a veteran to anchor the unit and provide some depth. Inge won't be back because the A's have multiple options at third base.